Device for fastening a fabric onto a profile

ABSTRACT

A device for fastening a fabric in a removable or detachable manner to a profile including an inner edge and an outer edge opposite the inner edge, such that once fastened, the fabric extends to the side of the inner edge, the device including:
         a first fastening part, for fastening the device to the profile,   a part, called covering part, provided in order to be covered by the fabric; and   the covering part extends beyond the fastening part to the outer edge, in the direction from the inner edge towards the outer edge.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a device for fastening a fabric onto a profile. It also relates to a fabric equipped with such a fastening device, a profile provided for receiving such a fastening device, a frame structure formed by such profiles, a frame comprising such a frame structure, and an installation formed by such frames fastened together, or onto a framework (wall, rack, structure).

The field of the invention is the field of devices for fastening a fabric onto a frame structure, in particular, but non-limitatively, for producing an exhibition stand, reception stand, display panel, advertising panel, decorative panel or frame, etc.

Exhibition stands and display panels are generally formed by rigid profiles assembled together so as to form one or more frame structures. Each frame structure is provided for receiving a flexible fabric, fastened onto said structure using a fastening device, in a detachable or removable manner. Thus, it is possible with one and the same frame structure to utilize different fabrics, allowing on the fly customization of the stand by changing the fabric.

Currently, a fabric is fastened onto a frame structure using flexible connecting strips, called fastening joints herein, sewn or welded onto the fabric beforehand, which are accommodated in a groove provided on the frame structure.

Due to their architecture, the current fastening joints do not allow the entire frame structure to be covered by the fabric. Thus, when two frames are placed side by side, there is a space that is not covered by the fabrics at the junction between the two frames.

Such an uncovered space detracts from the visual appearance, particularly when several frames are assembled together or side by side on a framework in order to form one and the same complete frame.

In addition, the space not covered by the fabric at the edges of the frame constitutes a lost space that reduces the useful space of a frame by the same amount, which may be detrimental, in particular when the number of frames increases.

A purpose of the present invention is to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks.

A further purpose of the invention is to propose a fastening device making it possible to increase the useful space in a frame.

Yet a further purpose of the invention is to propose a fastening device making it possible to improve the visual appearance of a frame.

SUMMARY

The invention proposes to achieve at least one of the aforesaid purposes by a device for fastening a fabric, in a removable or detachable manner, to a profile comprising an inner edge and an outer edge opposite said inner edge, such that once fastened, said fabric extends to the side of said inner edge, said device comprising:

-   -   a first fastening part, for fastening said device to said         profile;     -   a part, called covering part, provided in order to be covered by         said fabric;         characterized in that said covering part extends beyond said         fastening part to the outer edge of the profile, in the         direction from the inner edge towards the outer edge.

In other words, the covering part is bent with respect to the fastening part, towards the outer edge of the profile, i.e. in a direction opposite to that in which the fabric extends. In other words, the covering part is bent with respect to the fastening part, in a direction perpendicular to the profile, from the inner edge towards the outer edge.

Thus, the fastening device allows the fabric to occupy a greater surface area in the widthwise direction of the profile, which increases the useful surface area in a frame formed by such a profile. Moreover, by adjusting the width of the covering part, it is even possible to exploit the entire width of the profile, which makes it possible to exploit the entire surface area of a frame delimited by the outer edges of the frame and beyond.

The device also makes it possible to improve the visual appearance obtained with a frame or several frames fastened together edge-to-edge, by limiting or even eliminating the spaces not covered by the fabric at the junction between two frames.

Preferentially, the first fastening part can be provided in order to carry out a removable or detachable fastening by connection, in particular by male-female connection.

According to a first embodiment, the first fastening part can be formed by a male shape provided for insertion into an opening provided on the profile.

According to a particularly preferred example of realization of this first embodiment, the first fastening part can be formed by a tongue provided for insertion into a groove provided on a front face of said profile.

According to a second embodiment, the first fastening part can be formed by an opening provided for receiving a male shape, such as a tongue, provided on the profile.

According to other alternative embodiments, the first fastening part can carry out a removable or detachable fastening, by clipping, bonding, mechanical clamping, etc.

Advantageously, the covering part can have a width such that it extends from said fastening part at least up to the outer edge of the profile, in the direction from the inner edge towards the outer edge.

Thus, the covering part covers the entire frame up to the outer edge, which allows the fabric to occupy the entirety of the frame formed by the profile.

In particular, the covering part can have a width such that it extends from said fastening part beyond the outer edge of the profile, in the direction from the inner edge towards the outer edge.

Thus, the covering part extends beyond the outer edge of the profile such that it can be held tightly by compression on a fastening device of an adjacent profile or frame in order to ensure a continuous connection without any space between the two adjacent frames.

According to another particularly advantageous characteristic, the thickness of the distal end of the covering part can be smaller compared with the rest of the covering part, which facilitates its compression or its deformation when it is held tightly by compression on a fastening device of an adjacent profile or frame.

In particular, the upper surface of the covering part can comprise a distal portion returning towards the profile.

The distal portion, or the distal end, of the covering part corresponds to that located opposite the fastening part.

The upper surface of the covering part corresponds to that located on the side of the fabric, opposite to that located on the side of the profile.

Thus, the covering part is held tightly by compression on a fastening device of an adjacent profile or frame, and is naturally pushed towards the two adjacent profiles or frames, such that it does not project towards the fabric. This makes it possible to obtain a junction that does not project, and a continuous surface when two frames are combined side-by-side.

According to an embodiment, the distal end of the covering part can be chamfered by at least one oblique cut, for example at an angle of 45°, starting from the upper surface and returning towards the profile.

According to a preferred embodiment, the distal end of the covering part can be chamfered by:

-   -   a first oblique cut starting from the upper surface and         returning towards the profile, and     -   a second oblique cut starting from the lower surface and         receding from the profile.

The first cut can be made over a greater distance compared with the second cut.

Each of the cuts can be at an angle of 45°, for example.

The fabric can be fastened to the profile by jamming between the fastening device and the profile. In this case, the fabric goes round the fastening device and returns towards the fastening part, so that once in place, the fabric covers the covering part.

Alternatively, or in addition, the fastening device according to the invention can moreover comprise a second fastening part, for fastening the fabric onto said device.

The second fastening part can be formed by a surface of the fastening device to which the fabric is fastened before assembly with the profile.

The fabric can be fastened to the fastening surface by sewing, bonding, welding, stapling, etc.

Advantageously, the second fastening part can be formed by a surface of the first fastening part.

The surface of the first fastening part acting as a surface for fastening the fabric to the fastening device can be located on the side of the covering part, or on the side of the outer edge of the profile.

The surface of the first fastening part acting as a surface for fastening the fabric to the fastening device can be a surface which, in use, is connected with a fastening means provided on the profile, such as a groove provided for receiving the first fastening part, which allows the fastening of the fabric to be made more robust.

In all cases, the second fastening part of the device according to the invention is chosen so that, when the fabric is fastened to said second fastening part, said fabric covers the covering part of said fastening device.

Alternatively, the second fastening part can be formed by a surface of the covering part.

According to particularly preferred embodiments, the device according to the invention can be in the shape of a “

” (an inverted “

”) or of a “

” the vertical arm of which forms the fastening part and the horizontal arm forms the covering part.

The device according to the invention can be produced from a rigid material, such as hard plastic, or metal or also aluminium.

Preferentially, the device according to the invention can be produced from a flexible material, for example produced from silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or from PVC.

The fastening device can preferentially be in the form of a flexible joint.

The device according to the invention can be produced by moulding or by extrusion, or by any other known technique.

According to another aspect of the same invention, a fabric is proposed equipped with a fastening device according to the invention on at least a part of its periphery.

In particular, the fabric according to the invention can be equipped with fastening devices over its entire periphery, continuously or discontinuously.

The fastening device can be fastened to the fabric by sewing, bonding, welding, stapling, moulding, etc.

According to yet another aspect of the same invention, a profile is proposed provided for receiving a fastening device according to the invention, comprising a groove, formed between an inner edge and an outer edge, and provided for receiving the fastening part of said device, characterized in that it has between its outer edge and the groove, a thickness less than its thickness between its inner edge and the groove.

Such a difference in thickness makes it possible to compensate for the additional thickness formed by the covering part between the groove and the outer edge, so as to obtain a plane surface when the fabric is fastened onto the profile.

Preferentially, the difference in thickness can correspond to, or be greater than, the thickness of the covering part, optionally increased by the thickness of the fabric.

The profile according to the invention can be produced from a rigid material, such as hard plastic, aluminium, metal, wood, composite material, etc.

According to yet another aspect of the same invention, a frame structure is proposed, provided for receiving a fabric, comprising at least one profile according to the invention.

When the frame structure is rectangular, it can comprise two profiles according to the invention, forming two opposite sides of the frame structure, and preferentially four profiles according to the invention, each forming one side of said structure.

More generally, the structure of the frame according to the invention can be formed by a profile according to the invention on each of its sides.

According to yet another aspect of the same invention, a frame is proposed comprising:

-   -   a frame structure,     -   a fabric, and     -   at least one fastening device according to the invention, for         fastening said fabric to said frame structure.

In particular, the frame structure can:

-   -   comprise at least one profile according to the invention; or     -   be a frame structure according to the invention.

According to yet another aspect of the same invention, an installation is proposed formed by several frames according to the invention, fastened together or affixed and connected to a framework.

The frames can be fastened together end-to-end, for example by screwing or bolting, or by any other positioning and holding device, or affixed and connected to a framework.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages and characteristics will become apparent on examination of the detailed description of embodiments which are in no way limitative, and the attached drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 3 are partial diagrammatic representations of embodiments of a frame according to the invention utilizing a fastening device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of another non-limitative embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial diagrammatic representation of another example of a frame according to the invention utilizing the fastening device in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial diagrammatic representation of a non-limitative embodiment of an installation according to the invention comprising two frames according to the invention fastened together;

FIG. 7 is a partial diagrammatic representation of a non-limitative embodiment of a frame according to the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a partial diagrammatic representation of another non-limitative embodiment of a frame according to the invention utilizing a fastening device according to the invention.

It is well understood that the embodiments that will be described hereinafter are in no way limitative. Variants of the invention can in particular be envisaged comprising only a selection of the characteristics described hereinafter, in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention with respect to the state of the prior art. This selection comprises at least one, preferably functional, characteristic without structural details, or with only a part of the structural details if this part alone is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention with respect to the state of the prior art.

In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a partial diagrammatic representation, in a cross section view, of a non-limitative embodiment of a frame according to the invention.

The frame 100, shown in FIG. 1, comprises a fastening device 102 used for fastening a fabric T onto a profile 104, forming a side of a frame for example.

The profile 104 comprises an inner edge 104 ₁ located on the side of the fabric T, and an outer edge 104 ₂ located on the opposite side to the fabric T. In other words, the fabric T extends to the side of the inner edge 104 ₁ of the profile 104.

The profile 104 comprises a groove 104 ₃ for fastening the fastening device 102 to the profile 104, for example by clamping, over-centre locking, clipping, etc.

The fastening device 102 comprises a fastening part 106 that is accommodated in the groove 104 ₃. The groove 104 ₃, or the fastening part 106, can be notched in order to assist with holding the fastening part 106 in the groove 104 ₃.

The fastening device 102 also comprises a covering part 108, forming an overhang, and extending from the groove 104 ₃ to the outer edge 104 ₂ of the profile and covering a part, or the entirety of the profile, between the groove 104 ₃ and the outer edge 104 ₂ of the profile. The width of the covering part 108 is adjusted so that the distal end 110 of the covering part 108 is aligned with the outer edge 104 ₂ of the profile 104.

In other words, the covering part 108, or the overhang 108, extends beyond the fastening part 106 in the direction 112 from the inner edge 104 ₁ of the profile 104 to the outer edge 104 ₂ of the profile 104.

The covering part 108 is itself covered by the fabric T, up to the distal end 110 of the covering part 108.

The fabric T is fastened to the upper surface 114 of said covering part 108, for example by bonding or welding.

Thus, viewed from a direction 116 facing the fabric T, the profile 104 is entirely covered by the fabric T and the profile 104 is not visible.

The profile 104 is produced from aluminium and the fastening device 102 is in the form of a flexible joint produced from silicone.

FIG. 2 is a partial diagrammatic representation, in a cross section view, of a second non-limitative embodiment of a frame according to the invention.

The frame 200, shown in FIG. 2, adopts the same elements as the frame 100 in FIG. 1.

Unlike the frame 100 in FIG. 1, the frame 200 utilizes a fastening device 202, the covering part 108 of which stops before the outer edge 104 ₂ of the profile 104. In other words, the distal end 110 of the covering part 108 is set back with respect to the outer edge 104 ₂ of the profile 104.

The fabric T entirely covers the covering part 108, including the distal end 110 of the covering part 108.

In this configuration, the fabric T can be fastened to the distal end 110 of the covering part, and/or to the upper surface 114 of the covering part 108.

FIG. 3 is a partial diagrammatic representation, in a cross section view, of a third non-limitative embodiment of a frame according to the invention.

The frame 300, shown in FIG. 3, adopts the same elements as the frame 200 in FIG. 2.

Unlike the frame 200 in FIG. 2, the frame 300 utilizes a fastening device 302, the fastening part 106 of which has a smaller thickness compared with the thickness of the fastening part 106 of the fastening device 202. The fabric T entirely covers the covering part 108, including the distal end 110 of the covering part 108, and extends up to the fastening part 106. The peripheral border of the fabric T is inserted into the groove 104 ₃ with the fastening part 106, so that it is jammed in the groove 104 ₃ between the fastening part 106 and the profile 104.

In this configuration, the fabric T can be fastened to the fastening part 106, and in particular to the surface of the fastening part 106 located on the side of the outer edge 104 ₂ of the profile 104. In particular, the fabric T can be bonded, welded or sewn onto this surface of the fastening part 106.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation, in a cross section view, of a non-limitative embodiment of another fastening device according to the invention.

The fastening device 402 in FIG. 4 is a preferred embodiment.

The device 402 in FIG. 4 comprises, like devices 102, 202 and 302, a fastening part 106 and a covering part 108.

Moreover, in the fastening device 402 in FIG. 4, the thickness of the covering part 108 reduces on the side of its distal end 110.

In particular, the distal end 110 of the covering part 108 is chamfered. This chamfered distal end 110 is obtained by:

-   -   a first oblique cut 404 starting from the upper surface 114 and         returning towards the profile, and     -   a second oblique cut 406 starting from the lower surface and         receding from the profile.

The first cut 404 is made over a greater distance compared with the second cut 406 so that the point of the chamfer is located closer to the profile.

FIG. 5 is a partial diagrammatic representation, in a cross section view, of another embodiment of a frame according to the invention.

The frame 500, shown in FIG. 5, utilizes the fastening device 402 in FIG. 4, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3.

As a reminder, in this configuration the fabric T entirely covers the covering part 108, including the distal end 110 of the covering part 108, and extends up to the fastening part 106 located in the groove 104 ₃. The fabric T is fastened to the surface of the fastening part 106 located on the side of the outer edge 104 ₂ of the profile 104. The border of the fabric T is thus located in the groove 104 ₃.

The width of the covering part 108 is adjusted so that the covering part 108 extends beyond the outer edge 104 ₂ of the profile 104. In other words, the distal end 110 of the covering part 108 projects from the profile 104 in the opposite direction to that in which the fabric T extends.

FIG. 6 is a partial diagrammatic representation, in a cross section view, of a non-limitative embodiment of an installation according to the invention.

The installation 600, shown in FIG. 5, is obtained by assembly end-to-end of two frames 500 ₁ and 500 ₂, identical to the frame 500 in FIG. 5. The assembly of the frames 500 ₁ and 500 ₂ can be carried out by screwing or bolting or by any other known fastening method.

The frame 500 ₁ is formed by a fabric T₁, a frame 104 ₁ identical to the frame 104 in FIGS. 1-5 and a fastening device 402 ₁ identical to the fastening device 402 in FIG. 4.

The frame 500 ₂ is formed by a fabric T₂, a frame 104 ₂ identical to the frame 104 in FIGS. 1-5 and a fastening device 402 ₂ identical to the fastening device 402 in FIG. 4.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the distal end of each fastening device, respectively 402 ₁ and 402 ₂, extending from the outer edge of the frame, respectively 104 ₁ and 104 ₂, the fastening devices 402 ₁ and 402 ₂ come into contact with one another at their respective distal ends, being held tightly by compression against one another. This makes it possible to ensure a connection and perfect continuity between the frames 500 ₁ et 500 ₂, in particular at the junction of these frames.

Thus, viewed from the direction 116 facing the fabrics T₁ and T₂, and thus facing the structure 600, the frames 104 ₁ and 104 ₂ are not visible.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation, in a cross section view, of a non-limitative embodiment of a profile according to the invention, in a configuration for use.

The frame 700, shown in FIG. 7, adopts the same elements as the frame 300 in FIG. 3.

Unlike the frame 300 in FIG. 3, the frame 700 utilizes a profile 702 that is different from the profile 104.

Unlike the profile 104 shown in FIG. 3, the profile 702 in FIG. 7 comprises a greater thickness E1 between its inner edge 104 ₁ and the groove 104 ₃, compared with its thickness E2 between the groove 104 ₃ and its outer edge 104 ₂.

In particular, the thickness E1 is chosen so that the profile 702 and the fastening device 302 are at the same level at the fastening part 106.

This difference in thickness can for example be obtained by reducing the thickness of a profile existing between the groove 104 ₃ and the outer edge 104 ₂ by a desired quantity. This reduction in thickness can be produced by removing material between the groove 104 ₃ and the outer edge, for example by a machining process.

Alternatively, this difference in thickness can be provided during the manufacture of the profile.

FIG. 8 is a partial diagrammatic representation, in a cross section view, of another non-limitative embodiment of a frame according to the invention.

The frame 800, shown in FIG. 8, adopts the same elements as the frame 200 in FIG. 2.

Unlike the frame 200 in FIG. 2, the frame 800 utilizes a fastening device 802, the covering part 106 of which has a smaller thickness compared with the thickness of the covering part 106 of the fastening device 202.

The fabric T entirely covers the covering part 108, including the distal end 110 of the covering part 108, and all the way under the covering part and stops at the fastening part 106, or just before the fastening part 106. The peripheral border of the fabric T is inserted under the covering part 108, so that it is jammed between the fastening part 108 and the profile 104.

In this configuration, the fabric T can be fastened to the covering part 108.

In the examples described, the groove 104 ₃ is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the fabric. Of course, according to alternative embodiments, the groove can be oriented:

-   -   towards the outer edge 104 ₂. In particular, the groove can be         oriented in a direction forming an angle greater than 90°, or         even greater than 100°, with respect to the fabric, or     -   towards the inner edge 104 ₁. In particular, the groove can be         oriented in a direction forming an angle less than 90°, or even         less than 80°, with respect to the fabric.

Moreover, in the examples described, the covering part forms a right angle with respect to the fastening part. According to alternative embodiments, the covering 108 and fastening 106 parts can form an angle:

-   -   less than 90°, and in particular less than 80°, in particular         when the groove 104 ₃ is oriented towards the inner edge 104 ₁,         or     -   greater than 90°, and in particular greater than 100°, in         particular when the groove 104 ₃ is oriented towards the outer         edge 104 ₁.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

For example, it is possible to use a fastening means different from a groove on the profile side. It is also possible to use other shapes of profiles than those shown. 

1. A device for fastening a fabric in a removable or detachable manner to a profile comprising an inner edge and an outer edge opposite said inner edge, such that once fastened, said fabric extends to the side of said inner edge, said device comprising: a first fastening part, for fastening said device to said profile, part, called covering part, provided in order to be covered by said fabric, said covering part, extending beyond said fastening part to the outer edge, in the direction from the inner edge towards the outer edge; and said fastening device is in the shape of a “

” or of a “

” the vertical arm of which forms said first fastening part and the horizontal arm forms the covering part.
 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fastening part is formed by a tongue provided for insertion into a groove provided on a front face of said profile.
 3. The device according claim 1, characterized in that the covering part has a width such that it extends from the fastening part at least up to the outer edge of the profile, in the direction from the inner edge towards the outer edge.
 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the covering part has a width such that it extends from the fastening part to beyond the outer edge, in the direction from the inner edge towards the outer edge.
 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper surface of the covering part comprises a distal portion returning towards the profile.
 6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises moreover a second fastening part, for fastening the fabric onto said device.
 7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second fastening part is formed by a surface of the first fastening part.
 8. A fabric equipped, over at least a part of its periphery, with a fastening device according to claim
 1. 9. A profile provided for receiving a fastening device according to claim 1, comprising a groove, formed between an inner edge and an outer edge, and provided for receiving the fastening part of said device, characterized in that it has between its outer edge and the groove, a thickness less than its thickness between its inner edge and the groove.
 10. The profile according to claim 9, characterized in that the difference in thickness corresponds to, or is greater than, the thickness of the covering part, optionally increased by the thickness of the fabric.
 11. A frame structure, provided for receiving a fabric, comprising at least one, in particular four, profile(s) according to claim
 9. 12. A frame comprising: a frame structure, a fabric, and at least one fastening device according to claim 1, for fastening said fabric to said frame structure.
 13. The frame according to claim 12, characterized in that the frame structure: comprises at least one profile according to any one of claim 9 or 10; is a frame structure according to claim
 11. 14. An installation formed by several frames according to claim 12, fastened together. 